Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano (#111 in 2019)
Eddie and his family are about to travel across the country from New York to California to start their new life. When the plane crashes, Eddie is the only survivor. As he goes to live with his aunt and uncle, his only remaining family, he begins to go by Edward and seeks to find his place in a new life without the ones he loves the most.
Dear Edward is such a remarkable work of art. Napolitano weaves such a beautiful story. It’s coming-of-age. It’s overcoming grief. It’s learning how to breathe again. The story, itself is told in two alternating plots: the day of the crash and then Edward’s life after. The plot that focuses on the crash takes turns zooming in on various characters aboard the flight: Edward’s family, a woman running from love, another women running toward love, a successful businessman, an injured veteran, a beautiful flight attendant, and an old man. While all those characters will perish in the accident, Edward isn’t the only one whose story plays a role in what happens afterward. I loved the concept of the two storylines because it mimics Edward’s feeling that part of him still exists up in the sky while his real life plays out down on Earth.
The character development is very realistic and Edward gains such a special understanding of loss, for himself and for the other characters who’ve lost loved ones. I especially love the ancillary characters of Shay and Besa, the next door neighbors who begin to work their way into Edward’s new family unit. This book is such an emotional journey and not that shouldn’t be overlooked as you make your 2020 TBR. Without a question, 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Multiple descriptions of Dear Edward say that the book is based on a true story, but I canNOT seem to find the real story. Does anyone have any info?! Hook a sister up!
Thank you to @pattyisbooked @blondeswithbooks and @gluttonousshelf for reading this one along with me! For anyone who is itching to read this book, BOTM is offering an early release of Dear Edward in the December boxes. I HIGHLY suggest you take advantage of this masterpiece.
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